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After inserting a VLOOKUP formula in a Google spreadsheet, where the array parameter references columns of a pivot table, how do I edit the formula again?

When I enter the formula, it just displays the value returned by the formula, and I can't seem to find a way to view or edit the original VLOOKUP formula.

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  • Please share the docs with us (edit modus) – Jacob Jan Tuinstra Jan 6 '13 at 20:39
  • sorry, I can't data is sensitive. however it must be something with my specific worksheet as when I tried to create a sample one showing the same issue it just worked. maybe related to my having hebrew names to the sheets or the vlookup being across sheets, I will try to create a smaple. – epeleg Jan 6 '13 at 20:43
  • I was finally able to replicate the issue on a test worksheet. The missing part was that this happens only when the array parameter of the VLOOKUP formula references columns of a pivot table. – epeleg Jan 7 '13 at 9:02
  • And Yet another UPDATE: The same happens if you use =Indirect("B1") where B1 is inside a pivot table. – epeleg Jan 7 '13 at 9:08
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    @pnuts - I don't see why you wouls say that its off-topic - nor why do you say that its un reproducable. however I did fail to accept the answer before and I have now corrected its. case closed :) – epeleg Jan 1 '15 at 10:01
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I had this same issue. I did a workaround which seems to work fine for me.

Instead of using something like 

=vlookup(A2,BOM!A:B, 2,0)

I just added a +0 at the end as my lookup was returning an integer.

So when I put 

=vlookup(A2,BOM!A:B, 2,0)+0

it works fine for me and my vlookup is now editable.

Also, if you already have a vlookup you may need to delete it and then reenter it.

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Press F2 (when in cell) on the keyboard or double click in the cell itself.

See example file I created: VLOOKUP

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  • This works for other cells not the cells that have the vlookup inside them. – epeleg Jan 6 '13 at 20:38
  • @epeleg: example added – Jacob Jan Tuinstra Jan 6 '13 at 20:47
  • As I already commented on the Q. I realize that this is not a general issue. but still it does happen to me. I will try to create an example that will demonstrate the issue. – epeleg Jan 7 '13 at 6:59
  • I was finally able to replicate the issue on a test worksheet. The missing part was that this happens only when the array parameter of the VLOOKUP formula references columns of a pivot table. – epeleg just now – epeleg Jan 7 '13 at 9:02
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Based on Prakashr's answer:

If you are looking up a number, then a workaround is to convert the result into a numerical value:

Instead of using something like 

=VLOOKUP(A2,BOM!A:B, 2, 0)

Use

=VALUE(VLOOKUP(A2,BOM!A:B, 2, 0))

Also, if you already have a vlookup you may need to delete it and then re-enter it.

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